Dynamic Voltage Threshold Adjustment for Algae-Contaminated Water Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water tank level detection systems inaccurately determine water levels in the presence of contaminants like algae, leading to incorrect operations of water inlet solenoids due to static voltage thresholds that fail to differentiate between water and algae states.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that dynamically adjusts the voltage threshold value by periodically acquiring and comparing probe voltage values with stored thresholds, updating the thresholds as an average of water and waterless data, and using these updated values to execute specific logics for controlling the water inlet solenoid, thereby accurately differentiating between water and algae states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a static voltage threshold value is used for water level detection, then the system structure is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates in the presence of algae contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a static voltage threshold to a dynamic adaptive threshold that automatically adjusts based on environmental conditions. The threshold is no longer fixed but evolves over time through continuous monitoring and learning, allowing the system to adapt to algae contamination and other environmental changes while maintaining simple hardware architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the voltage threshold parameter from a constant value to a variable that changes based on detected conditions. The system monitors voltage variations over time and adjusts the threshold parameter accordingly, enabling accurate water level detection even when algae or other contaminants alter the electrical properties of the water.
2Measurement precision
If a dynamic voltage threshold adjustment is implemented, then the measurement precision improves in contaminated conditions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by implementing automatic threshold adjustment without requiring external calibration or manual intervention. The microcontroller autonomously monitors voltage readings, detects environmental changes, and adapts the threshold parameter on its own, eliminating the need for complex external calibration equipment or manual adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the voltage output from the water level probe and using this information to adjust the threshold. The system creates a closed-loop control where the detected voltage levels feed back into the threshold adjustment algorithm, enabling the system to learn and adapt to changing conditions automatically.
3Reliability
If voltage threshold is dynamically updated based on water and waterless data, then the reliability improves in varying environmental conditions, but the loss of information increases during power failures
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing the adaptive voltage threshold in non-volatile memory before power failure occurs. The microcontroller continuously updates the threshold during normal operation and ensures it is saved to EEPROM or flash memory, so that when power is restored, the system can resume with the latest threshold value without losing the learned environmental adaptations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach ensures accurate water level detection even in algae-contaminated conditions, preventing errors in water tank operations and maintaining data integrity during power failures by storing values in a memory chip.
Implementation Method 1
a water level probe...comparing the probe voltage value with a stored voltage threshold value...determining that the water tank level is higher than the water level probe
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~3A
Figure 3B~4
AI summary
A method for detecting water level in a water tank that includes a probe voltage value acquiring step comprising periodically acquiring a voltage value of a water level probe as a probe voltage value; a voltage value comparing step that compares the probe voltage value with a stored voltage threshold value, if the probe voltage value is lower than the voltage threshold value, the method determines that the water tank level is higher than the water level probe and updates the water data to be the probe voltage value, and if the probe voltage value is higher than the voltage threshold value, the method determines that the water tank level is lower than the water level probe and updates the waterless data to be the probe voltage value; and a threshold value updating step that updates the voltage threshold value in response to the water data and the waterless data.